Antibioticos

Antibiotics May Be Pro-Asthma
Overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial cleaners could be giving kids asthma.

Asthma rates in kids have reached historic levels. Why? Surprisingly, some experts say,it may have to do with our sterile life- style and overuse of antibiotics.

Exposure to bugs puts the immune system into fighting mode, and that’s a good thing. Case in point: Kids who harbor the H.pylori bacterium are half as likely to have asthma as those who don’t, says an NYU study of 3,327 kids. (Since the invention of antibiotics, this stomach-dwelling, ulcer-causing bacterium has been onthe decline.) The discovery could lead to the development of a preventive treatment.

But until then, think twice about germ-proofing everything. Toss antibacterial soaps and cleaning products and useregular ones instead. And avoid giving your child antibiotics unless you know the infection is bacterial.

Aspirin Update
You take an aspirin daily, but are you getting the full benefits?
Thismedicine-cabinet staple has long been touted as a wonder drug. Not only does aspirin relieve pain, it also lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack, and colon cancer. But popping the pills daily may not workfor everyone. Up to 60 percent of us, both healthy people and those being treated for all types of heart disease, may have some level of resistance to aspirin's benefits, according to a review in theJournal of the American College of Cardiology.
What is aspirin resistance?
Aspirin keeps platelets from sticking, lowering the risk of clotting. People who are aspirin-resistant still get pain reliefbut not the full blood-thinning effects.
How do I know whether I'm resistant?
New blood tests can help your doctor decide whether to give you a different therapy, especially if you're at risk or arebeing treated for heart disease. The tests aren't yet widely available, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Are there alternatives?
Aspirin-resistant patients may respond to other antiplatelet drugs, such as...